The Donkey Sanctuary has become a federation member of HETI (Horses in Education and Therapy International AISBL), further establishing links with other organisations in the field of equine-assisted activities and therapies.
The Devon-based animal welfare charity, which provides services to external clients through its Donkey Assisted Activity centres across the UK, has also been accepted onto the organisation’s Human Equine Interaction Register (HEIR) as an approved practitioner of equine-assisted activities.
The HEIR Register aims to bring together all those involved in the field of human-equine interactions to ensure high-quality service provision and create a greater awareness of their work. It also acts as a helpful resource for anyone wishing to find out more about equine-assisted or facilitated programmes in the UK.
Via the register, people are able to search for individuals and organisations who provide equine-assisted or facilitated therapies, including physical therapies, psychotherapy, education, learning and coaching, and who have demonstrated that they operate to high-quality, safe and ethical practice standards.
Victoria Banfield, The Donkey Sanctuary’s DAT Lead in Projects and Partners said: “This new accreditation gives our organisation a real professional footing within the human-equine interaction industry.
“The impact of this will allow us to enter forums and steering groups that are creating regulation and governance to standardise the equine-assisted activity industry.
“Those organisations who have been approved to be on the register have demonstrated that they have both human and equine welfare and wellbeing at the heart of what they do.”
HETI is a not-for-profit organisation with members in over 45 countries worldwide. Established in 1974, its mission is to facilitate collaboration between organisations and individuals whose objectives are philanthropic, scientific and educational in the field of equine-assisted activities and therapies.
For interviews, images and information please contact The Donkey Sanctuary press office on 01395 573124 or 07870 849563 (including out of hours) or send an email.
The Donkey Sanctuary is the world's largest equine welfare charity. Our vision is a world where donkeys and mules live free from suffering and their contribution to humanity is fully valued. We run 10 sanctuaries around the UK and Europe, giving lifelong care to more than 7,000 donkeys and mules. Our hospital treats sick donkeys and trains vets both nationwide and worldwide. Our donkey-facilitated learning programme helps vulnerable children and adults develop life skills by connecting with donkeys on an emotional and physical level. The charity operates programmes worldwide for animals working in agriculture, industry and transportation, and those used in the production of meat and skin.
Please note that the name ‘The Donkey Sanctuary’ should not be abbreviated to ‘Donkey Sanctuary’, and the word ‘The’ should always appear with a capital ‘T’ as above.